More of Niagara State Park

Here is a video of the Cave of the Winds and a few shots taken at various places at Niagara State Park.

Niagara Falls, the Falls

We're off to Niagara Falls State Park, where we first explore the Cave of the Winds. Here you can get a birds eye view of the American Falls and Bridal Veil falls as see the Horseshoe Falls at a distance. You have to wear protective gear.

Day 2 in Niagara County

Breakfast at the hotel is continental. Best part, other than the chocolate milk, are the pastries made on the premises. Best chocolate croissants. Much lighter and flakier than the usual. We were off for a helicopter ride via Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours. On the way we stopped at a hotel being completed and got a photo of a view from the 17th floor. I also kept seeing this particular sign. If I was unable to read it, I'd think that there were places that you can walk on water.

Time To Dine in Lewiston

The first evening's dinner was in Lewiston at Waterstreet Landing. Just down the block from the Barton Hill Hotel. Esther wants to make sure that the food is good before I indulge.

Barton Hill Hotel

Just thought I'd throw in a few photos taken inside the Barton Hill Hotel. One is of some kids playing in the lobby. The other is of our wonderful tourism host, Kate Scaglione with me and "Jeeves".

Niagara Falls Goes On

Now that you've seen a photo view from my window I want to show a photo of the statues seen near the water's edge as well as an explanation. The artist who did this is the same artist that constructed "Jeeves" in the lobby.

Checking into the Hotel

It's time to check into the Barton Hill Hotel located in Lewiston. Rooms are quite large with a bathroom that has a whole bunch of cubby holes for your toiletries as well as clothing, if you want. There is an armoire and night stands with drawers but no closets. I think they are looking to appeal to the gay community as the hotel with no closets. Entrance to room had a triple hook to hang you outer wear. Great idea. Only down side was the armoire not long enough for pants or dresses to hang properly. Oh, yeah...most interesting is the air conditioning system above the television. Not the usual kind. You use a remote to control temperature, heat, fan, etc. They hotel has a spa located in a building across the street. Too busy to get to the spa, thought. First shot is of owner Diane Finkbeiner and John Haily of Vino Amore! We did a wine tasting. However, I was introduced to this most fabulous chocolate milk from a farm called Hoover...I think. Passed up much of the wine for the milk. Creamy and almost pudding-like. Next photo is of our greeter with Esther. The last is a view of from my room.

Niagara Falls Continued

Our next stop was to the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. Here you get to see the process of how the carousel animals (mostly horses) are carved, painted, etc. No one is actually doing it, though. There is another mighty Wurlizter. A piano that you place the music roll into. You can view how the music rolls are created. There's another room that houses various carousel creations as well as both a children and adult carousel.

Slowly I Turn...Step By Step

Yes, we're talking about Niagara Falls. This trip was about the county on the USA side. We first began with lunch at the Hideaway Grille just outside of Buffalo. It's one of those "down home" restaurants. There signature dishes are the Buffalo wings and ribs. Historic (vs. hysteric) Riviera Theatre was our first attraction. This old theatre has one of those Mighty Wurizter organs. That's some big organ that I got my hands on. Esther wants to touch it as well. She does get to learn how to operate the projector. Oh, look, there's my name up in lights! We later came back to watch a Beatlemania event.

Esther, the Rubber Chicken

Here is a preview of Esther, the Rubber Chicken as she lurks in Niagara Falls USA. Now, you wouldn't expect her to be eating chicken wings, would you? Apparently, she does love shrimp and about to indulge in chomping on Peter, one of the other writers on the trip.